Abstract

In the present study data of an experimental study on the effectiveness of a complex worked-out example in the domain of empirical research methods and statistics were re-analysed from a new perspective. On the basis of cognitive, motivational and emotional prerequisites and associated characteristics four homogeneous sub-groups were identified by running a cluster analysis. It could be shown that learners with different profiles differed in some process-variables which were recorded during the learning phase; moreover differences in the learning outcomes and in dependent motivation variables appeared. Starting from these findings which show that even under experimental conditions quantitative and qualitative aspects of the learning process are influenced to a high degree by specific constellations of learner characteristics, possibilities of increasing the effectiveness of the learning environment by integrating adaptive elements were discussed